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Design Manager Jobs in Groton, CT (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with Project Managers, Electrical Design Engineers, Software Controls Engineers, Applications Engineers, the manufacturing team, and customers to develop systems and complete projects

Design/Detail II

Fitchville, CT · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Per the direction of the Design and Detailing Manager, other duties may be assigned to the position.Represent Collins & Jewell Company Inc properly including professional behavior and professional ...

Design/Detail I

Fitchville, CT · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Per the direction of the Design & Estimating Manager, other duties may be assigned to the position.Represent Collins & Jewell Company Inc properly including professional behavior and professional ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Manager information

See Groton, CT salary details

$41.8K

$113.8K

$200.4K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Groton, CT is $113,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $143,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design manager?

Design Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design process within a project or organization. They coordinate and lead design teams, ensure design objectives align with business goals, and manage timelines, budgets, and resources. Design Managers often act as a bridge between creative teams and other departments, facilitating communication and ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Their role can span across industries such as architecture, graphic design, product design, and digital media.

What does a design manager do?

A design manager oversees a design team during a project and typically works in the construction and architecture industries. As a design manager, you may work for specialty companies that contract out to construction firms on a per-project basis. Or, you may spend your career working as an in-house design manager for a construction company or architect firm. Regardless of the location of your job as a design manager, your duties revolve around supervising the design of a building project and include adhering to legislation and codes, eliminating safety and financial risks, and advising clients during development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design manager?

To thrive as a Design Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field and several years of design experience. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools like Asana or Trello is essential. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively leading creative teams, delivering high-quality design outcomes, and meeting client or organizational goals.

How does a design manager typically balance creative vision with project deadlines and client expectations?

A Design Manager is responsible for guiding their team's creative direction while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This often means carefully prioritizing tasks, setting clear milestones, and communicating regularly with clients and stakeholders to manage expectations. They serve as a bridge between creative teams and project managers, helping to resolve conflicts and maintain a productive workflow. By fostering open collaboration and providing constructive feedback, Design Managers help ensure both the creative vision and practical project requirements are met.

What is the difference between Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign ManagerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, management experienceBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projectsCreates visual content, works independently or in teams
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, agency, and studio settingsCommon in advertising, publishing, branding

The main difference between a Design Manager and a Graphic Designer lies in their responsibilities and scope. Design Managers oversee design teams and strategic project planning, while Graphic Designers focus on creating visual content. Both roles require relevant design credentials, but Design Managers also need leadership experience. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What degree do you need to be a design manager?

A design manager typically holds a bachelor's degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, or a related field. Many also pursue a master's degree or additional certifications to enhance their skills and qualifications for leadership roles in design teams.

What does a design manager earn?

A design manager's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, with higher salaries generally associated with larger companies or senior roles.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, executive roles such as Creative Director or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large corporations or agencies. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also offer high compensation, particularly with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Groton, CT?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Groton, CT are:

What cities near Groton, CT are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Groton, CT with the most Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Groton, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,846 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

$106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as a CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST in the Public Works Department of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic.
This position is a 100% TDY position to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa. This is a full-time temporary assignment not to exceed 1 year.
May be filled as a temporary promotion or a temporary reassignment.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Managing multiple priorities and independently developing and providing technical recommendations/solutions to complex problems encountered during the administration of construction contracts; 2) Ensuring effective communication and coordination between the project manager, design manager, contract specialist, the contractor, the project technical team, and the client; 3) Visiting construction sites to monitor progress and solicit input from Engineering Technician/Quality Assurance representatives, review reports, and attend meetings; 4) Acting as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) in the management and administration of construction projects; and 5) Performing technical submittal review and evaluate comments provided by various SMEs.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Work Environment: Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa is located in a harsh environmental setting with adverse weather conditions for many months of the year (excessive heat, humidity, and rain) and working in areas populated by poisonous snakes, plants, and/or insects, and contagious diseases and poor air quality, chemical handling areas, and damp and unheated spaces. The work may require extensive work shifts of 12-16 hours a day and more than a 5 day workweek. Generally, indoor work location has power, water, heating and air conditioning, although outages should be expected. The incumbent will be required to live on the camp, where living quarters are a container living unit (CLU), which may be very cramped with the requirement to share bathroom facilities. Initial living quarters may be a tent. Fatigue may occur from long work hours and uncomfortable living conditions.
The position may be required to provide immediate contingency support requiring a physical and immunizations deemed necessary for the environment in which this support is provided.
Incumbent is entitled to 25% Post Differential pay.
Potential benefits for working in Djibouti: Ability to gain international work experience.
Professional development by working in an area at the forefront of construction and community growth.
High potential for overtime pay.
Local Market Supplement (based on parent command location)
Imminent Danger Pay - $225/month (first 42 days)
Post Differential Allowance - currently 25% of base pay (beginning day 43+)Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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